Indian Restaurants In Bhutan:10 Best Tastes For Your Journey

Travelling to Bhutan and missing Indian food? The good news is that there are many Indian restaurants located across the country, as Bhutan has significant cultural ties with India, and this is reflected in the food. Dining at these Indian restaurants in Bhutan is more about filling your need for comfort food, especially when you are away from home. This can be found in larger cities like Thimphu and Paro, as well as the smaller towns in Bhutan, which are still very accessible to tourists.

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Top Indian Restaurants In Bhutan

If you’re interested in seeking out Indian food while travelling around Bhutan, visit these Indian restaurants in Bhutan, many of which present the rich flavours of Indian food.

1. The Zone Indian Restaurant

The varieties include curries, vegetables, bowls of chillies or spices, rice, etc.

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The most famous restaurant in Thimphu is the Zone Indian Restaurant, which has been frequently visited for Indian food. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the interiors are really nice, which serves authentic food with a lot of spicy Indian dishes. The menu mainly has the Indian speciality that is North Indian food, like butter chicken, paneer tikka, and many varieties of curries, which include Naan and roti. There’s a lot of choice on the menu, and both vegetarians and meat-eaters should find plenty of options. The Zone is known for its service, presentation, and quality.

Location: Chang Lam, GPO 415, Thimphu, Bhutan
Timings: 11 AM – 10 PM
Things To Do: Enjoy hearty Indian meals, try tandoori dishes, and relax in a cosy indoor setting

Suggested Read: Food In Bhutan

2. Ghasel Indian Restaurant

Bowls containing the hemadatsi, with chilli peppers and creamy cheese sauce texture, one of the Indian restaurants in Bhutan.

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Ghasel Indian Restaurant, a vegetarian restaurant in Thimphu, has a loyal customer base due to its homely flavours. It is the most popular and respectable restaurant amongst Indian travellers who want to eat vegetarian dishes while they are travelling. Ghasel has ample vegetarian options on a menu that features dal, sabzi, chapati, rice, and South Indian staples such as dosa and Idli. The quality and authenticity of the food are what stand out about Ghasel. When you sit down to eat, especially for travellers, you will feel like someone is serving you a meal from their own kitchen.

Location: Nordzin Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
Timings: 8 AM – 9 PM
Things To Do: Savour pure vegetarian thalis; enjoy South Indian breakfast items like dosa and Idlis.

3. Bukhari Indian Restaurant

The dishes include items that appear to be curries (or stews), vegetables, and rice.

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Bukhari in Thimphu is set up as a formal dining place and is known more for its atmosphere than quick meals. The menu covers several Indian staples such as tandoori chicken, kebabs, biryani, and different curries, with the food prepared using Indian spices brought in from across the border. It is one of the few places in the city where travellers go if they want a sit-down dinner in a more refined setting. Bukhari has built a reputation for its taste consistency and fresh ingredients. The restaurant is elegant while still being comfortable, with touches of Bhutanese decor adding to the experience.

Location: Paro Valley, PO Box 222 Paro, Bhutan
Timings: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
Things To Do: Relish kebabs, curries, and Biryanis in an elegant dining space

Suggested Read: Discover The Top Things To Do In Bhutan

4. Chula Restaurant

The food served in bowls includes potatoes, Bhutanese red rice, greens, and mushrooms, one of the Indian restaurants in Bhutan.

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Chula Restaurant in Thimphu, Bhutan, is known for its lively menu of comfort food reflective of flavours from India and the hospitality of Bhutan. With its casual and lively atmosphere, it is a popular dining option for locals and tourists. Chula Restaurant’s menu features beloved Indian dishes such as chicken curry, dal makhani, sothpaneer masala, and Biryani, as well as a variety of breads such as Naan and parathas. Chula has established itself in Thimphu for anyone looking for flavourful and earthy Indian food made with genuine ingredients, herbs, and spices.

Location: CMP2+4XW, Thimphu, Bhutan
Timings: 11 AM – 10 PM
Things To Do: Share North Indian curries, enjoy group dining, taste flavourful Biryanis

5. Sinchula Indian Cuisine

Ema Datshi appears as a rich dish, with visible pieces of green chillies and cheesy sauce, one of the Indian restaurants in Bhutan.

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Sinchula in Thimphu is a small restaurant that serves a mix of Indian dishes, including curries, biryani, and tandoori items. The seating is simple but comfortable, and it works for both everyday meals and a slightly longer dinner. Travellers often mention that the spice levels are balanced, making the food easier to eat compared to some of the heavier Indian meals found elsewhere. The restaurant is noted for using balanced spices, so you can enjoy authentic Indian flavours, but without the excessive spice level. For vegetarians, there are plenty of options here, whether you prefer your paneer curry, dal, or a combination of sabzi.

Location: Phendey Lam, in Hong Kong Market, Thimphu, Bhutan
Timings: 12 PM – 10 PM
Things To Do: Try vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, enjoy tandoori specialties

Suggested Read: Discover The Top Places To Visit In Bhutan

6. Hotel New Grand & Pure Vegetarian Restaurant

Parathas are served with chutney, pickles, curd (yogurt), vegetables, or maybe a curry, one of the Indian restaurants in Bhutan.

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The New Grand Hotel is famous for its good location and for having pure vegetarian food in Bhutan. It’s located in Thimphu and has a large following of Indian tourists seeking familiar and comforting food. Their menu includes North and South Indian specialty dishes such as thalis, parathas, dosas, Idlis, and curries. Their menu mostly consists of Indian dishes, which all Indians crave to eat while they are away from home, and also good for elderly people who are travelling to Bhutan and prefer vegetarian food.

Location: FJ9Q+RRR, Thimphu, Bhutan
Timings: 7:30 AM – 9 PM
Things To Do: Enjoy thalis, parathas, South Indian breakfast items, and family-style meals

7. Spices Indian Restaurant

The crispy samosas are served with green and red chutney or ketchup on a metallic plate.

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Spices Indian Restaurant is one of the good restaurants in Thimphu, Bhutan. This place is famous for serving its spicy Indian food, which they prepare using Indian spices to get that authentic Indian flavour. It also serves you evening snacks like samosas and pakoras, and dinner includes chicken curry, paneer butter masala, and Biryanis that every Indian prefers to eat when they are travelling. Their dinner menu also has tandoori options for the guests. The place is basic but comfortable enough for eating with friends or family.

Location: Changlam Square, Thimphu 11001, Bhutan
Timings: 12 PM – 10 PM
Things To Do: Relish spicy curries, order tandoori chicken, and enjoy casual dining with friends

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Thimphu

8. Indian Masala

A plate full of Biryani rice, which this restaurant is famous for in Phuentsholing, Bhutan.

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The Indian Hut located in Phuentsholing is a casual eatery loved by many for serving delicious Indian food in a relaxed environment. As it is near the Indo-Bhutan border, it is a favourite stop for many travellers entering Bhutan. With options for North-Indian and South-Indian food such as thalis, curries, Biryanis, dosas, and parathas, it is frequently visited by many Indian tourists due to its quick service and delicious meals. Indian Hut is a cosy restaurant that is often visited by locals as well. The dining area is simple but neat and friendly enough for families or big groups to enjoy their meal.

Location: CCJ6+CX6 Above the Chinese Hot pot, Paro, Bhutan
Timings: 10 AM – 9:30 PM
Things To Do: Eat North and South Indian meals, enjoy thalis, and try dosas and parathas

9. Taste Of India

The chicken curry is served with vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and coriander in a bowl.

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Taste of India is one of the top restaurants in Punakha for travellers looking for a great Indian meal in the beautiful Bhutanese town. The restaurant serves various North Indian favourites, such as paneer dishes, dal makhani, Biryani, and chicken curry, along with Naan and roti. This restaurant is very famous among tourists who say that they prepare dishes with aromatic Indian spices that every authentic Indian dish needs. The decor is simple, warming, and family-friendly, making it a caring environment for families or friends to share a meal. You’ll find both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes equally satisfying, providing great options for everyone.

Location: CCJ7+873, Paro, Bhutan
Timings: 11 AM – 9:30 PM
Things To Do: Enjoy North Indian favorites like paneer dishes, roti, and chicken curries

Suggested Read: Bhutan Travel Guide

10. Tara Indian Cuisine Restaurant

Steamed idlis and drumstick sambhar (onions and tomatoes), a staple dish of South India.

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This Tara Indian Cuisine restaurant is a hidden gem for you that serves amazingly delicious Indian dishes in a calm environment. The restaurant has earned a remarkable reputation from both locals and visitors for its authentic tastes and generous portions. This restaurant offers everything that a North Indian or a South Indian needs, from masala dosas, Idlis to chicken curry, a variety of paneer options, and also Biryani for the Biryani lovers. You can taste the effort in all dishes, and all items are true representations of Indian spices. The restaurant is also clean and inviting, perfect for the sit-down experience.

Location: V6WG+82, Dorokha, Bhutan
Timings: 11 AM – 10 PM
Things To Do: Savour dosas, Biryanis, and paneer dishes in a peaceful atmosphere

Indian restaurants in Bhutan are simply wonderful, especially for individuals who enjoy a rich, hearty meal. An Indian restaurant uses Indian spices and cooking methods while preparing the dishes at their restaurant, even if they are in a Bhutanese style. These restaurants are equally satisfying for pure vegetarians who desire homely dal and roti, or want to have spicy food like Biryani and kebabs. Plan a trip to Bhutan with TripXL without craving for Indian food, as there is always a local Indian restaurant nearby serving to the palate and comfort, enhancing your journey through Bhutan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Indian restaurants popular in Bhutan?

Indian restaurants are fairly common in Bhutan, especially in Thimphu, Paro, and Phuentsholing. You can find many Indian restaurants in the small towns of Bhutan that offer you amazing dishes.

Do Indian restaurants in Bhutan offer vegetarian meals?

Of course, you can get many vegetarian options if you visit Bhutan, like daal, paneer, roti, and any vegetable curry. Each restaurant knows how to cook Indian food using Indian spices, and you get a variety of options.

Is Indian food costly in Bhutan?

No, Indian food is affordable in Bhutan; however, it still depends on which restaurant you want to eat from. If you want to eat from a fancy Indian restaurant, it might be costly; otherwise, the price is affordable, and you can find many restaurants serving Indian food.

Do Indian restaurants in Bhutan use the same spices as Indian restaurants in India?

Most of the restaurants get ingredients and spices from India to replicate the same taste. Some of them also use local ingredients to provide you with different tastes.

Are tourists able to find North Indian and South Indian food in Bhutan?

Yes, both North Indian and South Indian food are offered. You will have options from dosas or Idlis to Biryani and butter chicken. There’s something for everyone.

Indian Restaurants In Bhutan: Visit The Top 10 Spots For Authentic Flavours